Athletics Tauranga Inc.
View the 2025 Waikato Bay of Plenty Cross Country and Road Running Handbook here.
Ready to get outdoors? The Tauranga Run Challenge Series is all about fun, fresh air, and exploring new places.
Whether you are just starting out as a runner/jogger or looking for a new challenge, come join us for a series of runs that anyone can enjoy!
For the seasoned runners, its also your chance to test yourself across the entire series and compete for the overall titles! Complete all 7 races and qualify for a special finisher medal! Category medals for series points winners.
Points are allocated per race per age group position with a sliding scale. Best 5 out of 7 races count towards series winners!
Age groups are determined by an athletes age on December 31st of the year of event.
U12Yo, 13-14Yo, 15-16Yo, 17-19Yo, 20-34Yo, 35-49Yo, 50-65Yo, 65+
$10 donation per event for non-club member
$5 donation per event for children non-club members
April
Saturday 12th April 2025
Te Awamutu Golf Course Cross Country. 3km & 6km run/walk, 9km run. Awesome event on scenic course with a prize giving afterwards. Bring the whole family, options for everyone. All races start 9:30am. Entries are open and more information can be found here.
Sunday 27th April 2025
The 78th King and Queen of Mt Maunganui. Now with a walking event at 10:15am, Junior Race (under 12 and under 16 categories) 10:30am, Senior Race (under 20, open, 35-49 and 50+ categories) 11am. Entries open now!
May
Saturday 3rd May 2025
Rotorua Marathon and associated events including the Runway 5km Road NZ Championships. More information here.
Saturday 10th May 2025
Cambridge XC Relays celebrating their 75th Jubilee. 2km for U14's, 4km for everyone else, plus a walk option. Really good prize money up for grabs! If you want to be in a team let me know now! Info here.
Wednesday 14th May 2025
BOP Secondary Schools XC Champs, Waipuna Park
Saturday 17th May 2025
Walnut Grove Relay at Waipuna Park. A fun 1km lap suitable for all ages and abilities. Teams made up on the day. Meet 1:45pm for a 2pm start. All welcome.
Saturday 24th May 2025
Tauranga Open XC, Waipuna Park. The largest XC event we host each season, races for all age groups. Clubs and schools from all around BOP & Waikato attend but it is open to everyone, you do not need to be a club member. Races start from 12:30pm. Helpers needed to set up and marshal - working bee starts from 9am. Prize giving and afternoon tea after the final race. More info here!
June
Wednesday 4th June 2025
WaiBOP Secondary Schools XC Champs, Mangatarata
Sunday 8th June 2025
Huharua Park, Plummers Point Road. We set up an approx 2km course on this beautiful park bordering the harbour. Meet at 8:45am for a 9am start.
Saturday 14th June 2025
NZSS XC Champs, Whangarei
Saturday 28th June 2025
Willacy Memorial XC Handicap Races, set up on our regular 2km course at Waipuna Park. Trophies up for grabs, distances from 2km up to 8km. Meet 1:45pm for a 2pm start.
Sunday 29th June 2025
WaiBOP Masters XC Invitational, Waipuna Park Welcome Bay. All welcome for a 3km starting at 1pm or 6km starting at 1:30pm. $10 entry fee, prizes and an afternoon tea.
July
Saturday 5th July 2025
North Island XC Champs, Spa Park, Taupo.
Saturday 12th July 2025
Whakatane Bush Half Marathon.
Sunday 20th July 2025
WAIBOP XC Champs, Rotorua.
Sunday 27th July 2025
Papamoa Hills “Hill Climb” meet at the Regional Park carpark on Poplar Lane at 8:45am for a 9am start, with Te Puke, Whakatane and Lake City invited to join us. 1km hill climb for U12's, 2km climb to the summit for everyone else. It might be short but it's a tough one! We will then break into groups for social pack runs, mingling with the other clubs and showing them around the Papamoa Hills Regional Park and adjoining Summerhill Mountain Bike Park. MEET AT THE OLD/ORIGINAL CARPARK NEXT TO THE QUARRY.
August
Saturday 2nd August 2025
NZ XC Championships, Christchurch.
Sunday 3rd August 2025
NZ XC Championships Relay, Christchurch.
Saturday 9th August 2025
Jubilee Park Handicap, Commerce Lane, Te Puke. 3km loop, hosted by Te Puke Club.
Saturday 16th August 2025
Waipuna XC Course and AIMS Games XC Practice - we will set up the AIMS Games course for our junior athletes to practice on and anyone else who wishes to come for a run. Meet 1:45pm for a 2pm start at Waipuna Park, Welcome Bay.
Saturday 30th August 2025
NZ 10km Road Championships, Cambridge.
Sunday 31st August 2025
AIMS Games Cross Country. A great day of racing for our intermediate age athletes and a club fundraiser to marshal. Please email Malcolm Smith if you can help out, even for a few hours. malcolm.sarah@xtra.co.nz
September
Saturday 6th September 2025
Run hosted by Whakatane Harriers, 479 Herepuru Road, Manawahe
Saturday 13th September 2025
Nelson Memorial Handicap 8.6km run around Waikareao Estuary. Shorter options for youth and walkers. Trophies up for grabs. Meet at the bottom of Coach Drive, Otumoetai. Followed by an afternoon tea and a chance to get together as the final outing for the 2025 winter season. Everyone welcome, you do not need to be a club member to participate! Meet at 1:45pm for a 2pm start.
Sunday 21st September 2025
Cambridge Half Marathon incl WaiBOP Half Marathon Championships
October
Saturday 4th October 2025
NZ Road Relays, Fielding. If you are interested in being in a team please let me know!
Athletics Tauranga Inc
info@athleticstauranga.co.nz